Joel Skousen

To be upfront, I share very little in common with the Skousens' world view, hence my average rating for the book. However, Strategic Relocation is a useful book to have on hand for it's sheer scope and breadth in reviewing factors and geography for safe living. The list of elements includes volcanoes, primary and secondary nuclear targets, population density, ect. Each state and territory in the US and Canada receive a thorough analysis. There is a particularly good primer section on "Strategies" which I will keep bookmarked. The main feature that I was disappointing with was the constant reliance on conspiracy theories and strong far far right political bias to justify their recommendations. I found myself agreeing with many of their final suggestions for relocation choices but not on how they came to them. The "New World Order" conspiracy is liberally cited throughout the text. Anything and everything is part of some evil master plot to control the world. Global warming, 9-11, J.F.K., Russia, CIA, Afghanistan, Democrats, Liberals, DC, all of them are in some way or another in on bringing about the end of the world. It's a hard pill to swallow for a rational skeptic. The Skousens have clearly drank deeply from the conspiracy theory kool-aid. I am thankful that they do not cite cryptozoology, alien abductions, or new age energy theories as part of their rationale. They are also very careful about not sounding racist which is refreshing. I am however, highly skeptical of their strong fondness for alternative medicine. It left me wishing for a more realistic foundation on which to trust in their relocation suggestions.
Now, all that aside, these guys have put in a ton of work into providing some very interesting data sets taken from fairly reliable sources which they site (USGS, NOAA, ect). This is very helpful and interesting to read through. Their logistical comments on States that I am very familiar with was spot on. The book itself is well edited and illustrated. It bears few editing mistakes typically spewed out of the American Paranoia literature movement.
In fact, I am interested in reading their book on building a Secure Home. It seems that they have put a lot of forethought and clever engineering ideas into that topic.… (plus d'informations)

The Secure Home by Joel M Skousen. This was the second book loaned to me to get my take on Joel Skousen as an author and projector of sound advice (the first was Strategic Relocation). This tome (683 pages) is not for the weekend reader of fiction books. Skousen is an expert on preparation. He’s devoted his life to preparing for any situation, most of which has not happened and may never happen. However, for those who may see smoke on the horizon, and a building project in the future, Skousen provides a plethora of ideas on how to be wise about your home investment. What I appreciated about Skousen is that he’s not only an expert on building materials, planning and construction, he’s a wise builder of people through a mental education and a training program.

Skousen lays out in the first two chapters a “Philosophy of Security and Self-sufficiency.” The first chapter addresses life-style changes that must be considered when the grid goes down and self-sufficiency abilities are important. He didn’t pick this up on a one hour internet search. His material is an in-depth curriculum for physical, social and mental training. His second chapter addresses how to train for quick reactions to a crisis. Every home should spend time reading, training and living this material, even if building is not in the future. Children at a young age can learn this while they enjoy the innocence of childhood.

Skousen then tackles “Planning” for new construction. He does not take the architectural approach to what is aesthetically pleasing, although his ideas are wise and would fit in with surroundings. He proposes what is an efficient use of space as well as the minimum necessary space needed for a variety of threat levels. This is a college level course on strategic planning regardless of the family economic level. His four sample remodel plans demonstrate his astute ability to make reasonable alterations and installations for functional living areas and optional storage and retreat possibilities. His analysis of various construction materials provides a well-balanced means to environmental control and security.

Skousen’s next section on “Security and Self-Sufficiency Systems” is his capstone description of preparation. It is thorough and educates on all aspects of living. He provides tremendous background information on all types of mechanical systems and equipment. While first published in 1979, this printing is from 2000. While over a decade old, the principles remain valid and updated equipment will be chosen from the details, specifications and systems integration he describes.

Finally, his section on “Construction and Implementation” is a motivator for new home considerations. The challenge is the cost for implementations of his ideas. The home owner will need to consider both cost and size in building. In addition, he’ll have to choose what aspects of this manual he can afford to apply. His recommended products and sources will be an excellent starting point for pricing current products. Before purchasing the book, check out Joel’s website at www.joelskousen.com. While most people will never execute his advice, it is worth considering. Do consider this: the sons of Issachar who had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do, (1Ch 12:32) should be in the back of your mind.… (plus d'informations)

I was loaned this book to read and found it most interesting. Skousen seems to ask the question, “Considering multiple threats to our wellbeing…and the political, economic and social environments, where is the best place to live?” Skousen doesn’t just point to a specific location. Instead he gives a strategic analysis of global geopolitics, geography and climate, freedoms and politics, crime and standard of living concerns and prospects for war, invasion and potential terrorism. This is not for the timid of heart. He does not pull any punches. He is straight-forward in his assessments, but also is realistic regarding temporary and long-term objectives.

With this information, I would imagine many people would move if they could. However, Skousen, citing the consequences of lack of planning for Y2K, warns against extreme moves because of fear.

His analysis includes world views of geography, politics, crime and standard of living and includes analyses on which countries offer safer advantages in a number of categories. His possible scenario of how the start of the next world war will initiate and progress is certainly possible, but that is only one factor in making a decision on relocation if necessary. There are some advantages of some regions of the world, but the risk of moving out of the US is greater than staying put or locating a region continental USA.

His US analysis is much more detailed and helpful. Frequency of natural disasters, including hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes and volcanoes might provide a small amount of input. What is more helpful is the current tax structures, welfare, firearm rights and law regulations of individual states. Additionally, population density, including racial make-up, may provide strategic input to a final decision. No small measure of information is given to schools, home school laws and even housing costs per each state.

His objectivity is seen in his consideration of financial planning and family and friend networks. He rightly places a high importance on who you know as well as what you know for future survival, if that is a concern.

The major portion of his work is devoted to regional analysis. Regions and then state by state is explored and discussed in a host of helpful comparisons. It seems his chief concerns are population density, military targets, climate, growing opportunities, personal liberty and cost of living. These and many others all need to be considered in a relocation.

Skousen scratches the surface regarding spiritual issues, primarily noting the diabolical scheme that is drawing the world to chaotic disruption sometime between 2015 and 2025 [his view]. His main concern is population density. There are several thoughts that likewise should be considered from a spiritual perspective. First, if you leave population density, there will be fewer people to reach and disciple for Jesus Christ. Secondly, moving to a “safe” zone may remove you from family networks, which support could be essential in a disaster. Thirdly, if God calls you to a specific location, you remain in place to demonstrate the glory of God through the disaster. Fourthly, ministry could become exponential and greater opportunities for revival in a populated dense location if that is where the ministry opportunity exists. All of these must be considered as well to determine God’s geographical will for your life.

I do not diminish anything Skousen has recorded, but fear can cause a person to move, unless it is clear a move must be completed.… (plus d'informations)